NOTES: A poll conducted this week shows that Rob Ford’s approval is weakening compared to earlier this year—and especially, that the contingent of those who strongly approve of the mayor has shrunk. John Willis is director of research for Strategic Communications, the firm that conducted the poll; yesterday he described the situation: “Ford Nation itself appears to be peeling away and that is changing the game for the mayor.” Willis explained that because the poll reveals falling support especially in North York and Scarborough—traditional strongholds for the mayor—this marks a significant shift.

The poll was taken on Tuesday night, before Ford’s surprise appearance at the PFLAG flag-raising at City Hall yesterday. The extent to which that appearance may have bolstered Ford’s numbers isn’t yet clear, though we’re guessing someone’s going to do another poll very soon to find out.